Variable-structure and model-reference adaptive systems: Joint application of their design principles

The possibilities of joint application of the design principles of variable-structure and model-reference adaptive systems for combining the desirable features and eliminating the undesirable features of each of the principles in controlling nonstationary objects are investigated. A design incorporating the capabilities of a variable-structure system to remain operative under any rate of change of parametric perturbations and input and the potentialities of a model-reference adaptive system to preserve its properties in any range of change of parametric perturbations and continuous variations of adjustable parameters is given to demonstrate the possibility of such joint application. The problem of constraining the motion of a nonstationary control system is examined. As solution is determined in the class of algorithms that closely resemble the algorithms applied to variable-structure systems. Solutions of certain mathematical models of nonstationary dynamic systems are given.